Lundy, a three-and-a-half-mile-long island in the Bristol Channel off North Devon, is largely untouched by modern infrastructure. Home to just 28 permanent residents, the island has no roads, relies on a generator for power that shuts down at midnight, and only received high-speed internet in 2023 via a satellite link.

Accessible by the regular ferry MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe between April and October, the journey to Lundy takes around two hours. During the winter months, when rough seas make ferry travel impractical, access is limited to helicopters. Despite its small size, the island attracts visitors seeking a remote, wildlife-focused experience.

Wildlife dominates the landscape. Puffins alone outnumber humans by roughly 15 to one, and seals and a variety of seabirds are common along the rocky shoreline.

Visitors can explore the island’s historic sites, including a 13th-century castle and the Old Lighthouse, or simply enjoy the natural environment.

Accommodations include 23 self-catering properties and a campsite. The island’s only pub, the Marisco Tavern, serves food made from local ingredients, including Lundy lamb, and maintains a strict no-mobile-phone policy after hours.

Visitors caught using their phones must contribute £1 to the pub’s collection box. Mobile phone coverage on the island is generally intermittent, and for urgent calls, visitors rely on the tavern’s payphone.

The arrival of high-speed internet has been a notable development for Lundy’s residents. Warden Rosemary Ellis said the connection has “already delivered fantastic benefits, speeding up frustrating jobs that used to take hours.”

She added that it allows her to share conservation work more efficiently and maintain communication with researchers, students, and medical professionals on the mainland.

Despite the lack of modern conveniences, Lundy offers plenty to explore. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe puffins, seals, and other native species, while history buffs can visit centuries-old buildings.

The island’s remote nature and small population create a unique environment where visitors can experience both a close-knit community and a largely unspoiled natural landscape.

For those seeking a break from city life, Lundy provides an unusual but accessible opportunity to disconnect, even if just for a day.